what is the age to leave a child on their own?

Question

my mum's partner has two children he leaves the oldest at home to pick my mum up, hes only eleven, just want to know if thats ok to do so

Answer 1

Thanks for the information, Social Services will be in touch shortly.

Answer 2

In the US there is criteria that is mandated by DCFS and CPS for children being left alone. Each State has their own criteria. I believe in Illinois it is age 12 or 13. If at the age of 12 the child is responsible and the parents feel this child is responsible then a child of 12 could be left at home for a short period of time alone!

I would never dream of leaving a 12yr old alone more than 30 to 60 minutes. Giving a 12 yr that kind of responsibility is asking for trouble.

Answer 3

It depends on the child and whether they are grown up for their age. I don't think they should be left any younger than that. I'd say an ok age for them to be left would be about 12. But he may be a very mature and responsible child. If he's not left for long, i can't see a problem.
My mam had to work a lot in order to keep the house so i looked after myself from the age of 12 onwards and i was fine. In fact it did me the world of good cos i learned how to cook and clean and i was very self sufficient, whereas a lot of children only know how to be run after hand and foot

Answer 4

There are laws of course for this sort of thing - I was left alone a lot when I was younger than 9 years old. It depends on the maturity of the child of course, but it is not a good idea to leave anyone alone I think who is not at least 12 years old and cannot make their own food, use a phone to call for emergency help, or other considerations like this.

Answer 5

Depends how long you're talking about.
The guide lines are that all children are different & you have to decide how mature they are.If it's only for a short while when he picks your mum up-would the child know what to do in an emergency?
What if someone came to the door or telephoned?
What if there was a power cut?
Would the child know what to do & how to get help?

Answer 6

I gave my son gradual responsibility.For example I would go the shop for five minutes when he was eight onwards gradually building up to be doing the weekly shop without him when he was around eleven or twelve.I think it depends on the child and how mature they are and I always had an emergency point of contact for him .

Answer 7

Depends really on the maturity of the child and how long your mum's partner is out for. If the child is pretty responsible and the length of time out is short - then i wouldn't see a problem!

Answer 8

Noooo. an eleven year old is still a child and would have no clue how to react in an emergency should it arise.
I think a child should be in its mid teens before it should be left alone.
This woman is being negligent and should be stopped.

Answer 9

I dont think there are any laws against an 11 year old being left on their own for a short period of time. If the 11 year old is sensible, then I dont see a problem.

Answer 10

My daughter is 14 and i would leave her alone but only for a short time and then i would still say don't answer the door don't cook anything etc etc .11 is way to young .
But then again some 11 year olds these days are already into drugs drink and crime.

Answer 11

it depends how mature they are, not all kids need to be with an adult all the time they need to have some responcability, and if thats being able to stay at home for an hour or so then thats fine.people are too quick to think kids have no common sence. its not that far back in history that kids of his age went out yo work.